Jaguar cubs. It was intensely hot (55oC, in the full sun) as we sped along the Corixo Negro River in Brazil’s northern Pantanal. On the river bank in the shade of a tree we found two Jaguar cubs: brother and sister, both about two years old. The exposed root system of the tree made for a superb scene as the reflections from the river danced on the roots.
The Jaguar cub’s mother was hidden in tree further along the river. Despite the heat we positioned ourselves to get good views of the cubs and in the hope they would be joined by their mother. We were excited by the prospect of them greeting each other. Sadly, this didn’t happen so we had to settle for watching the two Jaguar cubs. Hardly, a bad outcome! Soon the heat became too much so we moved off in search of shade and to experience the cooler air as we sped along the river. It is always nice to see Jaguar cubs. At nearly two years old these cubs will soon be independent.
The Pantanal is the world’s largest tropical wet land and flooded grasslands. Whilst mostly located in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, it also extends into Mato Grosso and parts of Paraguay and Bolivia. It covers an area of up to 195,00 square kilometres (75,000 square miles) and some 80%of the floodplains are submerged during the rainy season. It is a remarkable place.